Pitt Cycling

"Fast" Laps Were Sweet!

2011-02-07T16:22:00.004-05:00

I am going to start up this super wicked blog as Pitt Cycling prepares for the coming road season.

This past Sunday a group of new studs on the Pitt team made the trek to the Bud Harris Oval. The BHO was in remarkable shape with only a couple patches of ice in the banked turns so I made a Vice-Presidential decision that the clinic would go on.

We covered some basic skills like pack riding and pacelining as we avoided the treacherous ice. I beleive that this heightened awareness will prove to enhance the skills of our fledgling riders. After getting a feel for the oval, Nik "G.N." Reinert and Samson "The Shaman" McHugh (me), went to the front to speed up the group and we began our race simulations in earnest.
With such fabulous prizes as a pair of socks and energy gu, the group was whipped into quite a frenzy during our intermediate and finals sprints.
While the more experienced riders rotated within the group to provide insight into tactics and safety, the wind against all our faces was a welcome change from the stale fan air. This also provided many on the team to try out the warming balm and chamois creams provided by embrocations.com. With many attacks by riders from About Time Cycling and our own Jordan Steelman; riding away with both prizes was Kevin Ordons who I promised would be plotted against such that complete dominance would not be repeated.

Some of the team's CAAD10's are trickling in from Pro Bikes and Andrew Vogeler showed up flossin' big time atop his pearly white steed.

We wrapped up our ride with another 25 miles giving this group of ~12 riders a solid 45 and some much needed intensity outdoors.

3 Weekend Update

2010-03-26T07:28:00.005-04:00

Two years in a row the weather cooperated with us at Rutgers. It was an awesome weekend. I don't believe we had a biggest Pitt showing for the Season Opener but those who came out were ready to race. Our best result in the TT was Andrew Seitz, bringin' home a 13th place. Ironically, we (Andy and I) rode almost exactly the same time except I was a fraction of a second slower. So... I settled with 14th. The Crit was different than last year but it was definitely exciting. The Men's A squad put two riders in the top 10 and 3 in the top 20. Seitz = 6th; Nik = 8th, me = 16th

Steph Stambaugh muscled her way to a 4th place. Sweet. Next day was also nice weather but our racing sucked. Andy and I missed the move. I don't remember our placing off the top of my head but somewhere far back. blah. Overall, a successful weekend for Pitt. Could there be a Pitt Men's A team at nationals!?

The team at Steph's house.

Columbia/ Stevens. It was epic. Probably the second worst weather I have ever rode in behind Yale. As far as I know Seitz, our new Men's Intro rider Dave Kugelman, and I were the only riders to participate in Columbia's hurricane race. Dave pulled out a 3rd place which was definitely a highlight to the weekend as Seitz and I missed another four man move with 2 former Pittsburghers. (Alex Cox and Aaron Meyers) Riding back to Stephs house the balm burned bad. Stevens put on a new race course for us that was a ton of fun and shame on all those who missed it. Unfortunately, it came to a field sprint and Andy and I finished both somewhere in the top 20. It was a loooooonnnnggg drive home.

NO pictures because this weekend sucked.

And last weekend was awesome! We stayed at Cohen's house which was better than any 5 star hotel.Philly Phlyer rocks! It's sorta close, the weather was beautiful and the courses were awesome. The men's A team lit it up in the TTT and took a second place. I am still sorta curious of how we pulled it off but nevertheless we scored some team points. Steph and Amy represented the Women's A TTT. Also bringing home some points. The circuit is great two cool climbs on both sides and I made the move (FINALLY) and ended up finishing 8th. Seitz, Samson, and Nik all finished in the field. The crit the next day was crazy, lots of turns, super fast. Unfortunately, we had two riders go down. Amy and Andy. They both seem to be okay, the usual...road rash, some cuts and some bike damage but nothing permanent. Hopefully, they will be back to full strength in no time. I think the race of the day goes to Zerby who killed it in the Men's D field. He missed the 9 man move and drove the chase field all day and still w

on the sprint taking home a top 10. Sweet.

Andy, Samson and I. Nik was just behind.

Snow Sucks

2010-02-28T19:20:00.009-05:00

Less than a week till Rutgers and snow still sits on the ground. I can't help but remember last year at this time, packing up the Pitt vans, the temperature was somewhere in the 60s. At this point I don't care how warm it is I just want to see grass again. Hopefully, NJ has a warm sunny week and we won't have frozen toes for the season opener. Anyways, February wasn't totally a bust...

Andy and I got some good riding in.

We went to Georgia. Sweet.

Andy cheezin it.

We spent some time in Savannah during the blizzard.

I am not sure about everyone on the Pitt Team but I know a few of us have taken up cross country skiing. To say it simply; If you've never tried it, you should! It's a great workout and I truly believe that, with all this snow on the ground and how cold it's been, a CC skiing workout > riding.

I don't have any good pictures.

Final few thoughts and remarks:

The men's CC skiing 30km pursuit was incredible.

Lipka won the Rutgers ITT last year... he won it going just under 30mph for 5 minutes.

Check out this video

Peace,

Bob

Training hard... hardly training

2010-01-25T20:26:00.003-05:00

January came and went wicked fast! The weather (for the most part) was bearable and with every passing day we are approaching the season opener at Rutgers! Sweet.

My main man Andy has been ripping it up on the mean streets of Pittsburgh. Coach Brodie has him on some crazy new workout schedule. Now I know that you are probably thinking "yeah, so what he's riding intervals." Well, check out this picture captured early morning before class.

Yeah... be scared, very scared.

So, I've been trying to follow the new collegiate hot topic... 'Varisty Cycling.' While I have read many good opinions on both sides, I can't seem to figure why so many are opposed.

I would assume that most collegiate cyclists can agree that to be truly competitive there needs to be serious time spent in the saddle. With the collegiate season starting so early there is already enough pressure of beating the clock(i.e. shorter days) and trying to stay warm(i.e. riding in sun) that school work often gets pushed on the back burner. While I don't know everyone's academic record and/or their study habits, I am willing bet cycling has taken away from his/her school work and thus grades have suffered. But, even knowing this, many of us still choose the ride. I can't blame you, it's way better than school. Now, I'm also willing to assume that everyone knows the benefits that 'Varsity athletes' receive. These range from lower credits per semester, leniency on deadlines, help from tutors and the list goes on and on. So I question you... Why wouldn't we want varsity cycling?!? We train just as much if not more than many varsity athletes yet we don't receive any of the benefits!

I recognize that Varsity Cycling has many other pros and cons but the above issue seems to be the most obvious to me.

Bring on February!

keep your tongue in the spokes,

Bob

2009 - Update

2009-11-22T21:04:00.012-05:00

Hello Everyone,

As cliche as this may sound; I feel it must be done...

I'd like to apologize for the prolonged inactivity. I cannot offer any good excuses as the Team has been incredibly active over the last six months. All I can say is... I will consciously make an effort to update the blog at least once a month until Road Season; at which point I will try to blog each weekend.

Team Highlights:

Pitt Cycling is consistently growing! Once again I expect Pitt Cycling to hit new highs as there is already a considerable interest in racing. Sweet.

While most of these new faces are just entering the racing scene, we do have some positives. A few of our returning cyclists have put in lots of hard work over the summer and are coming back faster than ever. For the first time since I don't' know when, Pitt Cycling will have an 'A' Team. We definitely are still lacking in depth but it is a step in the right direction. As of right now I expect to have four Men's A riders and one Women's A rider. I'm super pumped. Go Pitt!

Another highlight to Pitt Cycling... This is the first year that I know of that Pitt has sent a rider to Road Nationals, Track Nationals and MTB Nationals. Sweeeett! Congrats to Nik Reinart(track) and Zack Brehm(mtb).

In others news, Pitt should be sporting some new kits this year. Look out ^^

Some thoughts on the recent rule change:

I am super bummed that the Aero equipment rule was reversed! Bogus! I feel that racing as a college student should not come down to 'who has more money to spend on bikes' but rather on 'who has more talent'. While Pitt Cycling is growing, I'm realizing how incredibly hard it is to put together a competitive 'A' team. (props to all the teams out there who have done it) But for those who are trying to come up through the ranks it's incredibly challenging to find everyone a TT bike. Nevertheless, we are on a hunt to find all of our 'A' racers TT bikes so we can compete on a level playing field.

Other things of interest:

While most of people enjoy their Thanksgiving Holiday with friends, family and lots of food, there are a select few who come out each year and choose to suffer in a local race known as The Dirty Dozen. Truth be told I could probably talk about how awesome this race is all day but I will lay it out simple... It's a nonsanctioned race held every year the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It's quite differnent than any normal race being you only race up hills... the 13 steepest hills in Pittsburgh! One of which is recorded as the steepest road in the world. (Don't believe me) Each year people turn out in masses to race up these hills to try and earn the title as the Dirty Dozen Champion. This year Pitt was represented by Andy Seitz, Coach Brodie and myself.

Andy having a good time.

Me on the final climb.

Brodie on Canton.

Deck the halls,
Bob

Heartbreak in Fort Collins

2009-05-08T22:20:00.003-04:00

Well, first I'd like to thank everyone for all the good lucks! It's cool to think that many people are pullin for me. Thanks.

So... here's the story.

Normal pre-race stuff... nervous, lots of bathroom visits, and trying to get nice and warmed up. The weather today was considerable different than yesterday. The wind was insane! It was way worse than Army's circuit race. I figured it wouldn't make a difference being there was such a large field to hide in. I heard the Men's D 1 field hit 130 riders!

Something cool

They called a rider from every school to the front of the field. For all the teams that had multiple riders they had to pick one guy but I was the only guy from Pitt I got to go up. Sweet.

The race took off from the gun. About two miles in the road went from 4 lanes to 2 and the field got sorta squashed and someone went down and ended up crashing out a good chunk of riders. I was one of them. I bounced my head of the pavement a couple times and tore up my right shoulder, hip, elbow and ankle (my hip hurts the most). I immediately jumped up and grabbed my bike but nothing was working. The Shimano guys tried to fix it but it was all f'ed up and they gave me a full Dura-ace super bike. This bike was awesome! Unfortunately it took about five minutes for them to get me set up. The USA Cycling vehicle let me draft until we caught the popped riders. I never caught field. I road the rest of the 60 miles with Chet, a rider from Nebraska who also got tangled up in the crash. I figured the best way to represent the ECCC, Pitt and all the people that were cheering me on would be to finish it out. So I road the whole course. Sucks because I think they are still going to give me a DNF because I didn't get to cross the finish line because they were starting the D2 race.

Got my bike back -

Broken front wheel, saddle, and screwed up the brake caliper. Also broke my helmet. More money, more money.... Ugh.

Outlook for tomorrow

I'm feeling okay now. Sorta stiff. I've never hit the pavement before so I'm not sure how I will feel in the morning. I'm going to try and get the Dura-Ace super bike again.

I'm pretty disappointed. Hopefully, I will have a better day tomorrow.

bummed out,

BoB

Oh, yeah... something sorta cool - ECCC won 3 out of the 4 races today. It's cool to know that we race in the best Cycling conference!

2009 Easterns

2009-05-08T10:00:00.002-04:00

Finally got some time, I’m going to try and pump out as much of the good stuff as I can.

Riders that left from Pittsburgh:

Dilla

Samson

Grant

Seitz

Kyle

Stumpf

Riders that met us:

Steph

Buzin

This week was nice for lots of reasons...

School was out (we didn’t need to worry about homework/finals)
The course was only 3 hours away (closest drive all year!)
Steph booked another nice place (not as nice as the Colonial but definitely better than Motel 8)
We had two mini vans for 6 people (gave us some good space)
Only guys left from the Union (why is that nice? I don’t know but the girls should be ashamed!)
The rain held out (for the most part anyways)

The plan was to leave the Union at noon, this would put us at Fairfield Inn right at check in time. We ended up getting out of Pittsburgh a little late… it took Andy Seitz and I longer than expected to pull the van seats out. We had one van designated for transporting all bikes and another for passengers. I think this worked out well because the bikes didn’t need to be taken apart and they weren’t exposed to the elements. The only problem was the bikes were all sorta banging into each other… we need some heavy duty packing blankets for next year.

The drive was fast….

After arriving the plan was to check in, wait for Jeff (not really), and then pre-ride RR course. Dilla and I used the lobby computer to print a local map and the course map so we could navigate the way... Now you would think this would be easy. Wrong… somehow we (everyone but Steph) ended up riding on the berm of a 65 mph highway. I guess it happened so fast no one really figured it was wrong and then BAM we were too far to turn around. Jeff said it best… “I think I just squirted a little something in my chamois.” (I’m pretty sure every did.) We ended up jumpin the guardrail and cleat walked to a nearby safer road. No worries everyone on the team survived.

To make a long ride story short…

I stopped at a local gas station, got directions to Black Moshanan State Park and we all made it there (to the park). We got to the course and no one could figure out how to read the map and which way the course was suppose to be road. We even asked a local and he agreed with us saying “The map is f*%ked up.” I heard later that Penn State screwed up the race map. Anyways, the ride was taking much longer than expected so everyone agreed that we needed to start riding our way back to the hotel. On the way down what was later to be known as 1^st descent Samson slammed on his brakes and took out Dilla! (Not really I guess Dilla just lost his concentration and caught Samson’s wheel and went down…) I must admit I was surprised when I saw Dilla jump up as fast as he did (he went down pretty hard). Dilla said he was okay and we continued on our journey back. The final ride time was 2 hours 15 minutes.

Later that evening…

Everyone showered and went out to eat at Rotellis. Steph met us there and we followed that up with some ice cream from The Creamery. I thought both left a little to be desired but it was fun. Oh yeah… Kyle bailed on us and spent the night at a friend’s house, this enabled Andy Dilla and I to give Steph the test!

Let me set this up…

Dilla and I were ready to call it a night but Steph (the social butterfly) wouldn’t get back to the room. I think she assumed that being she was a girl she gets a bed all to herself… HA. Dilla and I decided we were both going to take a bed and pretend like we were sleeping and let Steph make the decision as to whom she wanted to bunk up with. Who did she pick!?!? I know that most of the readers are probably going to have a hard time believing this because I still can’t believe it either… she picked Dilla!!! What the heck was she thinking?!? It’s cool I got a bed all to myself. Sweet.

Race Day 1

Woke up early, got a decent breakfast from the lobby and off to the race. Grant assured us that he could get us there with the directions on his cell phone… HA! Somehow we made a 20 min drive into 45 minute stress test. I must say at the end of this drive I was freakin out. We made it just in time to hear Joe calling for the Men C TTT. Kyle, Seitz, Buzin and Samson had zero time for a warm up and just went to the line.

Following the TTT was the EPIC road race! I can’t remember who went when, and what order was but here’s a quick recap….

Seitz and Kyle went two laps around Black Mo. Andy pulled out the top finish for our men’s C team. Samson sat this one out.

Buzin raced men’s D and somehow got tangled up with another guy leaving quite a bit of epidermis out on the road. Dilla had a strong finish despite his crash on the training ride. I belive something like 9^th. Grant also raced in the men’s D field finishing it out on a tough course.

Steph, as always had a good finish in Women’s B. I think she was in the first pack off the break. 6^th place.

I raced well made the initial break of 11. Third lap it broke and I was on the wrong side. I ended up getting 6^th. Probably one of my best road races ever.

I believe that about wraps it up for our Road Race. We went back to the hotel and showered to get ready for the banquet.

So the banquet was one of those you had to be there for it to really enjoy it things. It was just neat to see all the racers in their street clothes (most of them) and having a good time.

Highlights…

There was a pretty cool video that the Mount Holyoke girls made. It pretty much summed up the season.

They had a best dress award that got pretty wild… (nudity was encouraged)

Oh yeah… how could I forget! Joe proposed to Caitlin!!!! It was really something. She started crying and hugged him. It was really sweet.

That’s basically the good stuff but next year everyone should come I have some ideas!

Day 2 Crit

Rain + tight course = lots of crashes. I have no idea how many people went down but it was a lot. A quick recap…

Samson decided he would grace us with his presence in men’s C and had the best finish, 10^th place. Andy pulled up something like 15^th and Kyle also finished out the race. He was quoted later saying “Well, not that bad for a hangover.”

In our Men’s D field both Jeff and Grant got pulled and Dilla made it to about the last lap and ate pavement for the second time in three days. He is okay but his bike took a beating. Anyone have any extra nine speed shimano they can hook him up with?

Steph pulled a no show and ended up losing the 3^rd overall by 13 points. On a double points weekend all she would have had to place is 11^th (nothing for a girl who has been consistently top 10 all year!)

My race sucked. It was single file the whole time (I can think of maybe three times when we bunched up). It hurt really bad, especially after Black Mo had me pretty much destroyed. I ended up making the lead 10 guys thinking for sure points and BAM I flat with two to go! Sucks… the racing Gods were against me.

Other notes… My road race points were enough to qualify me for nationals. Sweet.

The ride home was awesome! Columbia and the Pitt vans were tossing food at each other. Good times.

Once again… I’m sorry this is late. I had a big week trying to get everything together. I am looking forward to having a week or two off (from traveling not riding). Anyways, I believe that about covers everything. I think I’ll just post pictures in another post.

Oh, yeah this was Kyle’s last race! He graduated! Congrats and good luck! You were an asset to the team.

Cheers,

BoB

Quick update...

2009-05-07T09:18:00.003-04:00

Okay everyone... So I'm in the midst of writing up the Easterns weekend (it's almost done) but I want to let everyone know I am Colorado! I love it.

After the flight yesterday, the plan was to...

1. Check in to the hotel

It is awesome. I am on the 5th floor with a spectacular view of the mountains. Also, there is a really cool vibe because everyone is a bike rider... This place really went out of the way for the riders... as soon as I signed in they guy behind the desk handed me 10 rags stapled together saying something like clean your bike with these not our hand towels. I should of just told him the Pitt Team has never used hotel hand towels before ^^.

2. Get some food

Nothing much to say here... guess what I ate? Pasta.

3. Get the bike back together

Amazingly, this wasn't as bad as I would of expected. The bike survived the flight in good form and went back together just as easy as it came apart.

4. Go on a ride!!!!!

This I must say has been the highlight of my trip. I did exactly what I think any normal bike racer would have done... I went for the mountains. I was recommended to stay close to the hotel (it was getting late) but after about 10 minutes looking at the hills I knew that is were I needed to go. Now riding to the mountains was really no different than riding at home, in the sense that I didn't notice any breathing difficulties. But once I started climbing I instantly started sucking air. At first I couldn't figure it out. After approx 30 seconds of thinking "Why do I feel like this?" I remembered "It's the elevation!" I was surprised but they weren't lying... it actually makes a difference. Anyways, I climbed to the top and looked out and realized I'm soo over Pittsburgh.

The weather this morning is awesome not a cloud in the sky. I might not be coming home.

Also if anyone is interested they will be streaming the race live on at this site... http://www.fccyclingfest.com/303

(if that doesn't work just got to www.fccyclingfest.com and following the link to live streaming)

The road race is Friday (tomorrow) at 11 (Colorado time)

The goal today is pre-ride the course get my race number.

Well, I'll probably post again so keep checking.

One love,

BoB

Coming Soon...

2009-05-04T11:08:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone,

Another stellar weekend for the Pitt Cycling TEAM(not club) coming from Happy Valley!

Stay tuned for all the juicy details. Some quick highlights to wet the appetite...

-Pitt takes the highway (cause we don't give a f^#K!)

-Samson takes out Dilla on the training ride (is there an inner team rivalary?)

-Steph picks Dilla over Stumpf (What the?!?!?)

-Grant shits the bed on the directions (Was he secretly trying to sabotage our Men's C TT?)

-Buzin breaks the fall with his face..../ hip (his spirit is unscathed)

-Dilla goes CRAZY in the Crit (does he think he can beat the pavement?)

-Kyle races the crit (Not that bad for a hangover.)

-Steph decides she doesn't want the overall third place in Women's B (Does she think she's too good?)

-Stumpf flats with two to go in the Crit (did he secretly just let the air out of his tire?)

-Columbia attacked the Pitt vans (start thinking about revenge NOW)

Okay... So if that doesn't get you excited then I don't know what will. I will try to write this up as soon as I can. I have a busy week. I leave for nationals Wednesday!

Also, everyone should take the ECCC survey. This is the link...http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=o987lpUBOSF0RUkC0DgO8w_3d_3d even if you don't fill everything out at least vote for Pitt in for the Long Distance Travel Award.

Send me some pictures if you took some... I will try and fix the picture problem.

One love,
BoB

MIT X-Pot

2009-04-28T18:24:00.008-04:00

The 7th weekend of the ECCC road racing season was as eventful as any other. It began as most do... William Pitt Union. The racers this weekend were:

Grant (Gary)

Bob (myself)

Amy

Shreya

Steph (she met us in Massachusetts)

(It should be noted that these names are in order of arrival. Amy was there earlier than I, but she was in the wrong parking lot and she forgot her phone!)

While loading up the van Amy mentioned a few times that she would really like to her phone. Most of these requests were ignored until she put in a "serious request" and confirmed us it would be "on the way". Now usually we wouldn't make any special house stops but since it was a small crew and it was on the way we figured what the heck. So we left the Union headed for Amy's house. After a couple of turns, some stop signs/lights and a tour of all Amy's old schools we realized, it really wasn't on the way. But we got her phone.

So we set off Grant, Amy, Shreya and I on our way to Massachusetts. The GPS's ETA (that's weird) was approximately 8:30. A 10 hour drive! It's okay we were ready. Now I don't want to bore anyone with all the minor details... so here are some of the highlights:

I was nominated as Team Captain. What does this mean? It means that I now have powers equivalent to that of President. Sweet.

There was an epic battle of Rock, Paper, Scissors in which Bob Stumpf (yeah I'm going 3rd person) swept Shreya Mehta with 3 rocks! With this win I was able to postpone my driving duties till the last portion of the trip. (This was clutch because I didn't have to drive in all the traffic)

Eventually, we arrived at the Colonial Hotel (a really shwanky place). For those of you that skipped out, you really missed something special. The Colonial was loaded... a pool, arcade, bar and restaurant (not that we had time or money to take advantage of these luxuries but it was cool to know that they were there^^).

The main entrance to the Colonial

Oh yeah... If anyone has something they really need to buy but is tight on cash just ask Grant to put it on his card for you. (He reluctantly had to put the rooms on his card till Steph arrived.)

Race Day 1

We woke up early and decided we would hit up a Dunkin Donuts before going to the race scene. We had passed one the night before so I led the way... No problem. On the way from the Dunkin Donuts to the parking lot Steph led the way... Problem. I made the mistake of following Steph and Shreya down a one way highway the wrong way! Yes! I went head to head with a 1996(ha I'm totally making this number up) Chevy Camaro. I made an evasive maneuver into an empty parking lot and saved Grant and Amy's life. Anyways, we got there and asked Steph and Shreya if they realized they were on a one way highway the wrong way.... they didn't.

So the girls geared up for the TTT. Grant and I chilled back at the van. The parking lot was nice. MIT brought in some really nice Port-o-Johns for the occasion and there was even a sink with soap outside! Thanks MIT. Makes it a little more like home. Girls finished the TTT and I'm not sure they placed well but they had a good time so all is good.

First road race of the day was Grant in Men's D. He was pumped and the weather was awesome. Around the time he went off it was probably 75 and Sunny, not a cloud in the sky!

Next off was Amy in Women's Intro.

Followed by Shreya and Steph in Women's B. Somewhere the temperature sky rocketed and it got hott! The weather check in the morning said something like a High of 80... I heard rumors that it was 87(it felt like it).

I brought in the last race of the day in Men's A. It was a great race. I road well and got away on lap 6 and soloed in for 5th place. I felt good. Special thanks to the team for hooking me up with bottles each time around! At one point I was bottleless ( I dropped Grant's out on the road) and I wasn't sure if the team was going to be at the feed zone or not. I road into the feed zone begging everyone for a bottle and out of nowhere Grant appears from the crowd with his Pitt jersey on. Words cannot describe how good that bottle was.

Post Race Day 1...

Nothing really happened. We went back to the hotel and pretty much went to bed. Everyone was tired and we wanted to get some sleep for the crit.

Race Day 2

Arrival to the parking lot for the Crit was much safer as we did not follow Steph to the course. Off the top of my head I can't remember the order of the races but a quick recap of the results. Grant finished Men's D and had his best finish all year beating out something like 11 people. Congrats Grant. Steph and Shreya both raced the Women's B. There was a break early on and both girls were on the wrong side of it. Eventually Super Woman Steph bridged the gap solo!(I knew she would get it) and ended up taking 5th. Shreya had a tougher race but finished it out. Next was Amy in the Women's Intro. This was the excitement of the day as she ended up crashing, bouncing her head of the pavement and was taken to the hospital. Fortunately she was okay. I guess the she was diagnosed with a mild concussion and was told to "Not think too hard." Yeah.... Insert your comment here_____________. I brought in the last race of the day in Men's A. I raced lame-o. I couldn't get near the front. Just didn't have it in me. Finished in the field. Blah.

Before I bring this back to our trip home I need to do a special report to clear up this picture for everyone! So, if you have raced with me then most of you will know that I get serious before the race. So after my solo effort on Saturday I knew I needed to get in a good warm up in. I decided to just cruise the local streets. After a little while my legs felt okay and I decided I would go back to the van to get a banana. I cross the road into the parking lot and bam!!! I see this....

Before I could even get a word out Steph yells "Bob!! I'm going to the river!" I almost fell off my bike laughing so hard. You know those special moments when you realize you will never forget this for the rest of your life? Well this was one for me. Thanks Steph. (She was hot and decided she was going for a swim at the River)

Okay. Now, since we didn't want to drive 10 hours all the way home to Pittsburgh we decided to break up the drive and spend the night at Steph's house. This always is a good idea as Steph's mom hooks us up with some sweet eats! Steph gave us the directions. Enough said. Use your mental map and imagine Boston then imagine New Jersey. Somehow we ended up approximately 10 miles from New Hampshire... It was a really really long drive.

Highlights of the drive...

Grant and I mastered the no stop driver switch. Sweet.

Eventually made it to Steph's house had some good food and went to bed. The next day we woke up and left at 8.

The drive was going really smooth. Shreya drove the first third and I took the second third. Wouldn't you know after a season of racing and driving across state I got a ticket right outside of Altoona. Almost home! 80 in a 65. Blah. The officer was cool I told him we were coming from the big race. ^^

Anyways, I'm sorry this took me so long to post. Stay tuned for a post from Easterns this weekend. Oh yeah, Shreya graduated! Congratulations and good luck! It was great having you on the team. Keep on riding.

Until next time ride hard,

BoB

Getting back to business^^

2009-04-27T23:15:00.003-04:00

After 7 weeks of racing in the ECCC, Pitt Cycling has decided it's time to get back to business! Ohhh... YEAH! It's blog time!

While we realize the season is nearly over, we figure it's better late than never!

Stay posted for a recap of the MIT X-Pot race weekend!

BoB ^^

Track Nats Race #1

2008-09-11T18:07:00.002-04:00

So the PCC has made it to Colorado Springs (which by the way is an extremely beautiful city). Nik and I are here for track nationals. Well, not me, I'm just here for support.

The first race has finished up. Nik came in 17 out of about 70 riders. He finished the 3km persuit in 3:42.6. and beat the kid he was persuing. I'm working on getting some pictures up on here...of Nik's homemade PCC skinsuit (it looks pretty good), him racing, and this awsome view of Pikes Peak that we happen to have from the hotel.

There is one more race left tonight, the 1km TT. By the time we are finished with it, I expect it to be pretty late back home. Look for more info at some point late tonight for you or early in the morning as well as a few pictures.

The points race is all day saturday. So 2 more races to go.

Matt

Now that's some car...

2007-12-11T19:09:00.000-05:00

Here's the link

Also:

glumbert - Four-person pedal car pulled over by police

West End View

2007-09-22T20:55:00.000-04:00

Thank Lord we have a great weather today! That's why I picked this route - the photos with Pittsburgh in the background look better when it's sunny, just like 2006 Dirty Dozen. Check out the photos taken on top of Mt. Washinton in the previous post!

The Noah Bike

2007-09-02T20:57:00.000-04:00

Somebody ought to give this to the Fuerher of the PCC :lol:

The Beauty of Winter Ride

2007-08-26T16:22:00.001-04:00

I was going to adjust my saddle height a few days ago, but then to my horror, the seat post won't move, no matter how hard I twisted it! I thought carbon and aluminum shouldn't bind, but they did! So I checked the Sheldon Brown's website for some tips. It appeared that dripping some lube down the seat tube and letting it stand for a night may help. Even so, I had to use a soft mallet to bang on the saddle nose left and right to free up the seize.
When I finally pulled out the seat post, there was lots of white condensation on it. I guessed they were the salt residue seeped in to the seat tube during winter ride. So definitely clean and grease your seat post often during winter! Picture:

08/26/2007 Student Activity Affair

2007-08-26T16:15:00.000-04:00

For those who missed the whole show

TOUR DE FRANCE

2007-07-06T13:49:00.000-04:00

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=caple/070706

July is here....
that means I will be in front of my TV on my trainer for the next month.

...channel 60
replays all day if you are a late riser

$1.33/ half hour

2007-06-14T08:02:00.000-04:00

Free bikes in Paris!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070613/lf_nm/france_bikes_dc;_ylt=AmGB2ZCUi5aGwZQCcRW5UJLMWM0F

All New Madone

2007-06-06T09:08:00.000-04:00

Get ready for the first trek order of the 2007 school year...
...
the all new madone is out!
1 lb lighter!

this thing is crazy
http://www.velonews.com/tech/report/articles/12366.0.html

bike tubing

2007-05-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

Not that this has any technical merit, but it's still pretty cool!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3741362681682291899

ACA Crits

2007-04-30T22:08:00.000-04:00

Is anyone racing in the ACA Crits on Tuesdays? Last week I was the only Pitt cyclist there! CMU had 2 guys and a girl (our girls really need to get down there) and DUQ had around 4 riders. The girls race had a 2 woman breakaway for the entire race with Julie from CMU and some other random person. Guys race was a little more intense, 25mph average for 30 laps at the oval. I'll be there tomorrow if the weather is going to be ok (not looking too good right now).

ouch!!!

2007-04-02T09:15:00.000-04:00

this looks totally painful! luckily, with no Pitt involvement. We got 20th overall this weekend, out of 35 schools!!
go us, although i didn't contribute to the points...

creativity

2007-03-23T10:55:00.000-04:00

Check out these clever ways to transport things on two wheels....
www.pitt.edu/~rmk21/logistics.htm

cool saddle

2007-03-20T20:00:00.000-04:00

Maybe we can get Trek to get us a discount on this puppy...
yes, this is indeed a link. click and go ;-)
I don't like this blog page...

Bike Building

2007-03-15T22:31:00.000-04:00

Just wondering if anyone who isn't racing this weekend could help me start to assemble my new bike. I was planning on just doing a lot of studying this weekend, and working on the bike could be a nice break. I forgot to see who would be around at the meeting tonight, so just send me an email (maa74@pitt.edu) or give me a call if you have my number.

Thanks.

cool bike

2007-03-14T13:49:00.000-04:00

As we're expanding into the track world now... here's a cool track bike

Race to Any Place!!

2007-02-25T13:29:00.000-05:00

This event is great!! And you guys are even greater!!!
To those who weren't there, just watch the video and you'll know what I meant.
Thanks a lot, people!
Go Panther,
Gordon

Amazing Wheelset Offer!

2007-02-15T17:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the latest version of Dan's Bike Shop!

Looking to upgrade your wheelset? I am now selling a pair of Bontrager Race Lite Wheels. They're brand new and are quite lovely. Very stiff, very strong, very aero, very bling. I'm selling them for super cheap to you guys since, well, I love y'all. These are normally a $400 wheelset I'm willing to part with for cost, which is $250. That's less than what you can get through our orders!

Here are some features:

Low profile, eyeletted rim for improved ride characteristics (aka sweet looking hub)
Sealed cartridge bearing hubs for increased durability
Bladed, stainless steel spokes with E-coating makes these wheels look great
Aluminum alloy locking nipple

I mean look at it:

Sexy, no? You know you want 'em! ;-)

Beware of HR Lag!

2007-02-10T17:41:00.000-05:00

It is said in the Cyclist Training Bible that, the heart rate monitor is no good for short and intense effort, because there is a lag between the time when you start the interval and the time when you actually see your heart rate in the training zone, which may be 1 minute or more. So you could have a low heart rate at the end of that killer interval; Or worse, never achieve the right training zone!
In my case, when I started the M6 workout of 25 minutes at Zone 5a, it took the heart rate about 2 minutes to climb to that zone, as the graph below indicated.

And when doing the A2 workout of 3 minutes at Zone 5b with 3 minutes recovery in between, the heart rate monitor is totally useless. Again, it took the heart rate about 2 minutes to climb up, just about when I ended that interval. And the heart rate wasn’t even in Zone 5b! However, my power output did show that I was training in the right zone. (See graph below)

So, the power monitor is indeed a better tool for monitoring intensity. If I had the money, I’d invest in a $ 1500 Powertap SL wireless or SRM, instead of a better bike. (That said, I already have a pretty decent bike, thanks to my secret benefactor)
P.S. Graph was made with Polar Precision Performance software that came with the HRM. Elite Primo trainer did not offer option to download the power data, but it should be parallel to the speed data on the Polar HRM.

Sad Disco news.....

2007-02-10T09:52:00.000-05:00

After 2007 disco will no longer be disco.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2007/feb07/feb10news

New Discovery Jersey

2007-02-07T22:06:00.000-05:00

Hey guys, I was surfing the Trek dealer database when I came across the new Discovery Channel jersey! I think it looks sweet!
You can get one for yourself for a mere $100.00!! :-P

Crank Brothers 2ti Pedals

2007-02-04T10:54:00.000-05:00

Speaking of things I have that I'm trying to get rid of: I have a new pair of Crankbrothers 2ti pedals. You can check them out here: http://crankbrothers.com/eggbeater_2ti.php. They are superlight and are an excellent upgrade for either mountain or road. They're lighter than Dura Ace!

Here's a pic:

Email me if you're interested, or else I'll ebay these.

Dan dbd4@pitt.edu

Ultegra Triple Crank

2007-02-04T10:47:00.000-05:00

Hey guys,
If anyone is looking to upgrade their crank and BB to Ultegra, I have a brand new Ultegra Triple crank and BB that I'm gonna ebay unless someone here claims it. It is the modern Hollowtech (fancy) design and the teeth are 52-39-30, perfect for hilly Pittsburgh.

Email me if you wants it.

dbd4@pitt.edu

Dan

Dog Sitting

2007-01-31T01:04:00.000-05:00

So I finally got my military orders over the weekend and looks like I'll be missing a bit of school. Unfortunately this also means I need to do something with Abbey. I must report from 9th Feb to 20th Feb and am unable to take Abbey with me.

I was curious if anyone is able to dog sit Abbey during this time. I can supply all the required food, items, etc. She's a very well behaved dog, though requires at least a good 15 minute walk every day. Else she gets very antsy. If you love to run or mtn bike she makes for a great partner.

Please email me at soursw at gmail dot com if you are able to help me out.

Cycling House Resurrected

2007-01-23T23:40:00.000-05:00

Yo, I don't know html, so I don't know how this will look but, I think my landlord just rented the house for next year. So is any one else out there interested in doing the cycling house? I still don't know what I'm doing next year, but I need to figure this out soon.

Cycling House Resurrected

2007-01-23T22:15:00.000-05:00

Panther Cycling Club

Yo,
Just wanted to see if there was still any interest in this, but I think my landlord found new tennants for this place so we could look for somewhere more convienent. Let me know if you want to get in on this.

Peace

On the Use of Training Video

2007-01-15T14:58:00.000-05:00

Dear Panthers:

For those who ventured out riding during last weekend, I salute you! But for me, if I look out the window and see more than 10 ripples in a rain puddle, I’d ride indoors instead. Because I know if I go out and ride in that weather, I’d get soaked before I warm up, and hinder the quality of training.

As my lab has a fix office hour of 8 am to 5 pm, I can never train in the day time, except if you count bike commuting as training. So I am always training on trainers. In fact, I feel this helps improve the quality of training in that there isn’t any interruption during intervals. For example, the M2 workout described by Cyclist’s Training Bible requires a course where you can ride continuously for 6-12 minutes. I think it is possible to do that around Schenley Park, but for those who live farther it’d be problematic. Also, even on a course like that, you still have to spare some energy to look out for traffic, which prevents you from going all-out (unless you’re a never-check-the-traffic daredevil).

So how’s this related to training video? Well, doing intervals is never fun – it takes a lot of motivation to do it. I used to watch Tour de France when doing intervals, and it’s not just for watching the action, the audio – especially the cheers from the spectators – really boosted my stamina. Recently, I bought a combo of CTS training video, thinking they may work better because they are – training videos! However, after looking at the details of the training sessions, I feel they are only suitable for the training phase around Base 3 and Build 1. Because the interval time is too long for Base 1-2 and too short for Build 2. For example, the Steady State Intervals (equivalent of M2) prescribed in Climbing DVD is 10 minute effort with 5 minute recovery, but when I started doing intervals at Base 2, I was having problem with even 6 minutes! And for Build 2, I’d like to do 20-40 minute effort instead of just 10 minutes. Because of this, instead of following the sessions in the video, I just trained with my own programs and used the video as motivation. Interestingly, I found the instruction of Chris Carmichael quite encouraging, especially when he asked people to envision coming near the summit at the last few minutes of intervals.

Therefore, my suggestion about using training videos is that, depending on the training programs in the videos and the fitness of the users, it may not be suitable for everyone. I think it is critical that you know what and when you are during the seasons, and adjust your training programs accordingly. I once skipped the Base periods and worked directly from Build periods because of a race coming in less than 1 month, and found myself having hard time adapting to the training. Don’t make the same mistake as I did.

P.S. For those who don’t know about the training periods, please see below:

85 hours of cycling

2007-01-14T14:15:00.000-05:00

New world record
Check out the article

although he did get a 5minute break every hour, still insane

LICENSES!?

2007-01-10T09:48:00.000-05:00

REMINDER:
Dont forget to purchase your collegiate racing license at
www.usacycling.org

The Collegiate license is $30 for the year. If you want to also race USCF races (for those of you who know what I am talking about) and want collegiate races to count towards your CAT upgrade, buy the road racing license ($60)

Cycling House 2

2007-01-08T11:38:00.000-05:00

I had just emailed Noah about this. I missed last weeks meeting (was still on vacation) and found it interesting to find the house brought up in the newsletter. I had thought the idea died but its good too see a renewed interest.

I'm definitely game for getting a cycling house. Not sure who is gonna spear head this (if there is enough interest), but I would be willing to volunteer my services in looking for a house. I've decided to go part time this semester and will have extra time on my hands.

Cycling House

2007-01-08T10:02:00.000-05:00

At last weeks Meeting, the officers talked about the idea of having a cycling house next year. I was just wondering if anyone else is interested. Let me know if you are.

Secondly, are we starting tech sessions again soon? I have no clue how to flip my stem and am having trouble with my front derailleur.

Dan Doan 100!

2006-12-31T17:55:00.000-05:00

What a lovely day for a century ride! Too bad only 5 of us did it.

The climax of the ride, besides visiting Dan's house and raiding his Gatorade, cookies and fruits, was the 10-km bike trail around Bethel Park, starting from 95.45 km to 104.24 km on the map. The bike trail ran parallel to the major roads, so we could bypass heavy traffic and enjoy the scenery.

You may wonder why it's short of 100 miles on Bikely. But believe me, Bill and Katty's computers both showed more than 100 miles at the end. I saw two explanation to that: first, the milage showing on Bikely is not accurate; second, I skipped the part going to Dan's house.

Whoever feels like doing the century ride, please look it up at Bikely under the name of "DanDoan 100".

HAPPY FESTIVUS

2006-12-25T06:59:00.000-05:00

!!!HAPPY FESTIVUS EVERYONE!!!!

"Festivus, for the rest of us!"

Happy Holidays

2006-12-18T15:11:00.000-05:00

"The nutcracker Suite"
(Performed entirely on bicycle parts)

50 bucks to turn your fluid trainer into a power meter!

2006-12-13T20:54:00.000-05:00

Remeber this power-speed curve that I showed during my presentation at the beginning of this semester? If you can find out the equation of the power-speed curve of your fluid trainer, you can determine your power output from a rear-mounted speedometer! And this is what exactly the Kurt Kinetic did - the employed an engineer to solve for the equation for the power-speed curve of the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine fluid trainer and hardwired it to a bicycle computer. So the speed sensor mounted on the rear chainstay will feed the speed data to the computer, and through the calculation within the computer, it will turn out the power output data for you to see. And the best of all, you can still use the computer as just speedometer after taking the bike off the trainer! All for just - $50! (If you already have the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine trainer)
KurtKinetic
P.S. Of course you can use it on Cycleops or Blackburn fluid trainers, but since every trainer has different power-speed curve, the power output reading may be a bit off. Also, some good comparison of power meter equipped trainers provided by Cyclingnews.com

Alley Cat Saturday

2006-12-11T07:47:00.000-05:00

In case anyone is interested:

Orange Belt

2006-12-10T19:10:00.000-05:00

Now I'm a big fan of the color belts (blue, green, yelloy, turqoise, purple, pinkish....) and especially the entire length of the red belt. But I learned today that the orange belt SUCKS. Especially the first 20 miles between Saxonburg Blvd and Sewickly. Constant hills (yea, I'm biased, I don't like hills), and worse, traffic. Made me feel like I'm a smoker. Given, the last 6 miles of it are quite nice, trough Sewickly Heights or whatever....
Stick to the red belt, it's not that much further and a lot nicer a ride. It remains my favorite ride out there.

it's cold out

2006-12-10T19:03:00.000-05:00

Here's something I didn't think I'd experience, but we had a case of onset hypothermia on a ride. That's not a good thing, so here's some quick info about it.

Hypothermia symptoms include:

Uncontrollable shivering (although, at extremely low body temperatures, shivering may stop)
Weakness and loss of coordination
Confusion
Pale and cold skin
Drowsiness – especially in more severe stages
Slowed breathing or heart rate

Hypothermia signs that can be observed by others:

Slowing of pace, drowsiness, fatigue
Stumbling
Thickness of Speech
Amnesia
Irrationality, poor judgment
Hallucinations
Loss of perceptual contact with environment
Blueness of skin
Dilation of pupils
Decreased heart and respiration
Stupor

Now it's not really cold out right now, but it's enough (I saw online that you can get hypothermia in 70 degree weather. I'd say that's unlikely though for cycling)

If it's in the 20's or colder, and we will go out in those conditions, DRESS WARM!
Layers, Layers, Layers.
Wool, fleece, under armor, windbreaker, you name it (actually, I wear ALL that when it gets below 20)
We don't want to get seriously messed up out there.
Keep riding!!

Website updates

2006-12-09T20:11:00.000-05:00

So in this craaaazy scheme to avoid studying, I decided to post lots of pictures that I have had on my computer to the website, www.pittcycling.com.

A note to AJ Smith...

2006-12-08T11:25:00.000-05:00

My rant for the day after reading this article:

AJ Smith you are an ungrateful, cocky, overrated bastard. Discovery Channel gave you all this free stuff (Bike, money, gear, chance to ride and train with them, and tons of publicity) and you attack them? If all the teams are so dirty then how are you going to join a "clean team" and win the yellow jersey, which by the way you can't because you are nothing more than an overweight under-trained chump. You make me sick. Good thing you are decent at cycling because apparently you didn't have what it takes to finish your studies at the local Community college. If you are so great and clean why did you dope when you you went to Europe to compete as a junior you hypocrite!

You also have no basis to say that bicycling is the dirtiest sport. I would be willing to bet that football and baseball players have atleast the same percentage of doping athletes. But no one outside of the sport knows for sure.

What? Was nobody talking about you recently so you needed a publicity stunt? Decide to make some crazy statement to get in the news and hope something comes of it? Most of the time when you here the phrase in sports, "He/she is the next [insert top athlete here]" They disappoint, they can't live up to it. And you will fail as well.

I'm sure being some kid racing in the juniors you learned all the insides and outs of the pro-tours including all the dirt on doping. Your knowledge and strive to make the world a better place impresses me NOT.

How about instead of wasting time complaining about people the have done more for the sport then you will ever do, you get on your bike, loose some weight, and prove me wrong. If you can win clean well then here is a cookie. Thousands of people in the history of cycling have won races and pro-tours clean. You are not some crazy visionary and idealist, most people agree with you that doping is bad.

Sorry for the long brutal rant but I needed to vent. That is all.

Safety first

2006-12-06T20:54:00.000-05:00

"Don't be a clown or a show off on your bike you are inviting injury or death"

"never ride your bike on the school grounds"

Check out this awesome video on bike saftey
You won't regret it

Loose Cannon, you might want to take notes

Here is another good one...

Website updated

2006-12-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

I posted the 2007 race season on the website and put up the Punk Enduro pics. Also look out for the calendar soon.

www.pittcycling.com

Punk Bike Enduro

2006-12-04T13:36:00.000-05:00

Hey guys,

Kyle and I went to the Punk Bike Enduro yesterday. It was a fantabulous ride. Check out an article and some pictures here.

Free beer, free race, free food, TONS of mud. Made for a spectacular day. We all should be there next year! Look out for pictures on the pittcycling website as soon as I, you know, get around to it. *cough*

VOOOODEN BYYKE (German voice)

2006-12-04T13:22:00.000-05:00

DIS BYKE IZ LYKE A FORREST

Giro d'Italia 2007

2006-12-04T11:44:00.000-05:00

The Giro has been announced!
Check it out Here

Here are some highlights:
22 stages
3422 km
30 mountains (4 mountain top finishes)
2 ITT's (one uphill)
1 TTT (unlike the tour...)
Oh, and little hill I like to call Zoncolan ("Europes toughest climb" with a rise of over 1200m in 10km, an entire km of 20% and a max of 23.6%)

more wood

2006-12-04T09:05:00.000-05:00

This one is even cooler! I want it

AHA!

2006-12-01T15:48:00.000-05:00

It works. Wow, not just responding!
Here's the other cool bike I found.

And if you get cold you can burn it and warm up ;-)

HOW TO POST

2006-12-01T15:05:00.000-05:00

Ok I am going to try to clear up any confusion about posting here:

The easiest way to post is to click the link at the top of the page that reads "BlogThis!"
Then enter your username and password and hit enter
The next window will allow you to make a title and write a blog.

If you want to post pictures it is a little more complicated, You have to first sign in at http://www.blogger.com (you can get there by clicking on "blogger" in the upper right corner of the page too.) and then click on the link that says "panther cycling club." you can then create a blog and use the picture button on the tool bar to enter pictures.

To leave a comment on someones blog simply click the comment button at the end of the blog.

If you have any other questions let me know, or try:
http://help.blogger.com/
I guess I could always run through this on the screen at the meetings that should help.

Happy blogging

Motorcycle Rack

2006-12-01T11:35:00.000-05:00

The blog is busy today!
anyway I have found a new project...splendid

Sorry I got excited..had to share it with someone.

That last picture is even the same model as my motorcycle

Silly Hats

2006-12-01T10:56:00.000-05:00

Read the product description of this hat and tell me you dont want one!!

Silly hats!

what shit!

2006-12-01T09:33:00.000-05:00

I just thought I'd post the insane injustice that Astana, team of Vuelta winner Alexander Vinokourov, DID NOT receive a ProTour liscence!!!!!!

Lance to ride again

2006-11-30T23:05:00.000-05:00

I just saw that Lance Armstrong is planning on racing again. Mountain biking this time

Click here to read the article

2007 USA Pro Tour

2006-11-30T08:45:00.000-05:00

The 2007 USA Cycling Professional Tour has been announced:

Feb. 18-25: AMGEN Tour of California – California (2.HC) (Disco and CSC confirmed to participate!!)
Apr. 7: U.S. Cycling Open – Richmond, Va. (1.1)
Apr. 16-22: Tour de Georgia – Georgia (2.HC)
June 3: Commerce Bank Lancaster Classic – Lancaster, Pa. (1.1)
June 7: Commerce Bank Reading Classic – Reading, Pa. (1.1)
June 10: Commerce Bank International Championship – Philadelphia, Pa. (1.HC)
June 17: Austin Men’s Invitational – Austin, Texas (1.1)
June 23: Saturn Rochester Twilight Criterium – Rochester, N.Y. (1.2)
June 30-July 7: Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah – Utah (2.2)
Aug. 19: USA Cycling Professional Criterium Championships – Downer’s Grove, Ill.
Sept. 1: The Cliffs USA Cycling Professional Time Trial Championships – Greenville, S.C.
Sept. 3: The Cliffs USA Cycling Professional Road Championships – Greenville, S.C.
Sept. 8: Univest Grand Prix – Souderton, Pa. (1.2)
Sept. 11-16: Tour of Missouri – Missouri (2.1)
Sept. 15: Tour de Leelanau – Traverse City, Mich. (1.2)

And just because it is awesome here is a sexy picture from the World track championships
Check out that gear ratio!

Forget upgrades!

2006-11-27T22:08:00.000-05:00

"Don't buy upgrades, ride up grades." - Eddy Merckx

Fork:

Wheel:

30 seconds - kabloowie!

More reason to not worry about upgrading. It's the hills that should rise, not the price of your bike!!!

PCC took part in the Dirty Dozen!

2006-11-26T20:55:00.000-05:00

Representatives of PCC in the Dirty Dozen - Bill and Gordon!

Bill rode with a cold - but finished strong!

One of the steepest climb - Logan St

The INFAMOUS 37% Canton St. - it's harder than it seemed!

Da Man and the founder of the event - Danny Chew

Finished with a smile - albeit a weary one!

Skill Clinic Sessions Review

2006-11-24T10:19:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad we had these skill clinic sessions. I mean, I've read Harrison (2004) and Baker's (2004) books on road bike skills and tactics, and tried to apply them to my team practice back in Taiwan. But as comprehensive as the authors tried, it's not like actually seeing them in live. And Corley and the offices did an excellent job in introducing the skills bit by bit, without overwhelming us or hitting us with too difficult a skill. So, in order to show my gratitude to their hard work, I want to post a short review of what we did in the past few weeks: (feel free to add something or to comment)

1. Paceline
a. Single paceline
In group of 4, rotate either clockwise of counter-clockwise whenever the leading person rides half of the track. Maintain a speed of 15 mile/hr until everyone is comfortable with the skill.
b. Double paceline type A
In group of 6, ride in 2 columns of 3, riders on the left side rotate counter-clockwise and ones on the right side rotate clockwise whenever the leading persons ride half of the track. Maintain a speed of 15 mile/hr until everyone is comfortable with the skill.
c. Double paceline type B
In group of unlimited number of riders, ride in 3 columns of same number of riders, riders on the left-most side rotate counter-clockwise and ones on the right-most side rotate clockwise whenever the leading persons ride half of the track. Maintain a speed of 15 mile/hr until everyone is comfortable with the skill.

2. Bumping
a. Riding abreast
In pairs, ride with shoulders or elbows resting on each other. Riders pushed against should try to protect his or her handle bar by reaching out shoulders or elbows to counter the force. This skill practice must be done on grassy field in case of falling. I found a short film through this link: (I don't think we should be trying to make the partner fall, though)Boston Beanpot Skill Clinic
b. Riding with crossing the wheels
In pairs, ride with front wheel crossing the other's rear wheel. Try to maintain control when bumping with the other's rear wheel by steering into the partner's rear wheel. This skill practice must be done on grassy field in case of falling.

3. Cornering
a. Regular
With moderate speed, turn the handle bar to the direction of the turn and complete the cornering. Each rider ride on his own and maintain a distance which one can stop completely before hitting the others. This skill practice should be done in a 90-degree turn both left and right, and the surface should be free of debris or obstacles.
b. Counter-steering
With faster speed (which in races more likely to be), lean the bike to the direction of the turn, handle bar slightly to the opposite direction of the turn, weight on the outside pedal with the outside pedal at the lowest position, and complete the cornering. This skill practice should be done in a 90-degree turn both left and right, and the surface should be free of debris or obstacles. Riders should increase the speed gradually once they are comfortable with the previous speed.
c. Wet-surface cornering
With moderate speed, lean the bike slightly to opposite direction of the turn with saddle brushing the outboard thigh, turn the handle bar to the direction of the turn, weight slightly to the direction of the turn with pedals paralleled, and complete the cornering. This prevents wheels from sliding out in wet or unsatisfactory corner by increasing the contact surface of the wheels. This skill practice should be done in a 90-degree turn both left and right, and the surface should be free of debris or obstacles.
d. Cornering with a partner
In pairs, ride shoulder to shoulder into the corner. Riders on the inside of the turn should yell: "inside!", while riders on the outside of the turn should yell: "outside!" This is for preventing people from steering into your cornering path.

Also, the communication skill is vital during practice or race. For instance, if the leading person is riding too fast and tearing apart the group effort, riders behind should yell at him/her to slow down.
And in real life, I found the paceline skills not quite useful for the team when there were wide gaps of fitness levels. Because whenever there was a surge, team members of lower fitness got left behind and were never seen again until the end, which wasn't helpful. So I asked Dan what he thinked about the use of paceline skill practice, he answered: "It will be tremendously helpful to making people comfortable with riding in groups during the race." Marvelous answer! I've never thought of that. Because theoretically, paceline is used when the team wants to:
a. Position before cornering
b. Position before climbing
c. Leading the sprint
d. Chase back the escape or peloton
So, in theory, every domestiques (team members other than team leaders for the race) should be able to contribute to the effort - I don't see the point of practicing paceline skills if they get left behind early in the race. But now Dan really raise a VERY good point for practicing paceline - you want to know how to ride a paceline BEFORE entering a race, so you won't get so nervous when riding with a bunch of people. And afterward, when most people have high level of fitness (including me - I'm still recovering from my knee surgery), we can really use paceline skills to cause TERROR to the other teams! (No…I don’t mean by crashing and taking down the whole field with us :P)
by Gordon Huang

References (these are really good books, I especailly recommend Harrison's book - it's written for building an amateur team; both can be bought at http://www.roadbikerider.com/)

Baker, A. (2004). Strategy and Tactics for Cyclists. San Diego: Argo Publishing.
Harrison, D. (2004). Professional Road Race Tactics for Amateur Cycling Teams. Chapel Hill: RBR Publishing Company

Shit happens...

2006-11-21T21:32:00.000-05:00

It's one of those days that bad things come simultaneously...
I was getting out of my place with a foggy brain from staying up late for assignments. When I was turning into Neville from Center, perhaps it's because of the wet road or I was carrying too much speed, I fell heavily on my left side. Although it didn't result in serious injury, I got road rash on my elbow and knee, as well as contusion to my leg muscles, which were enough to keep me from ridding hard for a week - that really sucks!
However, that's not the end of the story. After getting myself patched up, I continued to Panther hollow trail, thinking that I still got 15 mintues to get to the lab - hasty, but I could still get there on time. But then, I found that I got a flat tire!
So, I was standing by the trail, trying to fix the flat tire with half-frozen hands (it was 30 degree that morning), while having throbbing pain in my elbow and knee from the fall...I ended up half an hour late.
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!!!
I went out my place to the lab a bit late the next morning, only to find - in utter astonishment - I got another flat tire! It turned out that I missed a very tiny hole when patching the tube, so the air leaked out gradually during the night. So, I was late again.
The morale of the story: Practice your tube-fixing skill - you never know under what cicumstances that you are going to use it! And check the punctured tube in the water when you get the chance - you may miss a tiny hole no matter how careful you are.

Amazing

2006-11-21T10:17:00.000-05:00

This is rediculous, thought you had good bike handling skills??

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9026838489904472871&q=artistic+cycling&hl=en

Backwards no handed wheelies?
No handed wheelies with someone standing on your shoudlers???

Grrrrr...

2006-11-20T12:24:00.000-05:00

Does it seem like a kick in the pants to anyone else that we're forbidden from using any Pitt liscenced logos or text on our jerseys, but the school can make money off liscencing them to companies that make jerseys being sold to the general public? Just thought I'd throw that out there. P.S. ours looks better anyway.

Pitt Jerseys

2006-11-20T07:52:00.000-05:00

Nashbar is selling licensed Collegiate Jerseys Here is the PITT one (Kinda lame in my opinion)

Man, who else is jealous

2006-11-17T16:49:00.000-05:00

If I had to do it all over again, I'd have started riding while I was in diapers and made sure I got into this school...check it out.

http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/11209.0.html

Chocolate Milk!

2006-11-17T08:37:00.000-05:00

Sounds Delicious and Nutritious

Panther Cycling Club

2006-11-16T18:46:00.000-05:00

We all need to make sure we have our skillz down, especially the "raise your hands in victory skill." We don't wanna be like this guy:

http://media.putfile.com/ciclista_zaggy_br

Ride a Bike Save Mother Earth

2006-11-15T10:14:00.000-05:00

Check out this page on performance bike about cycling and the environment. there are some cool statistics. Also I have a coupon code for $20 off a purchase of $50 or more from this site so if anyone wants to buy something let me know I'll send the code your way

http://www.performancebike.com/cycling_envrio.cfm

By the way, I want a road bike with grip shift like this sweet gem! what a steal!

Best part is it only ways 29 pounds Thanks walmart!
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3663046

Yes I have too much free time at work

things about cross trianing buddies and triathlons (I know dan...I know)

2006-11-14T13:41:00.000-05:00

So winter will be pretty much officially upon us soon and I'm sure many of us have been hitting it hard most or all of the spring, summer and fall. And while I agree wholeheartedly with Dan's comment "There's no excuse not to be riding a bike" (roughly paraphrased and true, given road, cross, mountain biking and the good old trainer as diverse options for the off-season), burnout is an evil, evil thing. There is no worse feeling than not being excited everyday to ride a bike.
Once the temperatures drop out of this nice low 50's range we have going now, many days will be either a bit chilly and/or short to go for the rides that make the dramatic improvements we all want; sometimes winter is a maintenance of the aerobic system.
For both the great aerobic workout and the importance of keeping workout routines fresh in order to avoid burnout, cross-training (excercises featuring different sports) can be a great idea.
I have recently adopted a triathlon training program (this is the part Dan hates) so many of my days are taken up by double workouts that include running and swimming in addition to the five, or sometimes four days on the bike. I also like to work in a day at the gym with some leg weights.
If anyone out there is interested in cross-training or just triathlons, I would love to have a running, swimming or gym buddy to make things a bit more interesting and fun. Drop me a line so we could get something going, even if it's just a day a week or whatever. Thanks a lot and above all (so dan isn't mad at me), always keep riding!
-Zach

Trail system

2006-11-13T14:45:00.000-05:00

Here are two good articles from the Post Gazette about the trail system expansion in pittsburgh

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06300/733397-53.stm
This one talks a lot about overall what is being done and talks about the new hot metal bridge (won't be done for a year unfortunatly). But it will have an over-pass that connects directly with the "jail tail." Looks like good things are coming. It also mentions that they are in talks with sandcastle to connect the southside trail to the waterfront trail!

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06313/736876-85.stm
This one talks about the county's plan to expand the systen to 100 MILES (whoah) of trails up and down all three rivers. This issue is coming up for vote in 2 weeks at the county meeting, maybe we can as a club go to the meeting or even send a letter to council?

Apparently only 9 miles in the entire county are still privately owned which would complete Allegheny county's section of the allegheny passage (the trail to cuberland MD, which connects with the trail to DC)

enjoy the reading hopefully you are as excited as I am!

Ryan

Cycling for Peace & Environmental Protection: The 2-wheel REVOLUTION!

2006-11-11T16:42:00.000-05:00

Don't you hate it when you stop to fix a flat only to get spit on by a camel? Me too. I guess thats the nice thing about Pittsburgh (aside from great hills) - the fact that we don't hafta worry too much about those saliva-savvy desert dwellers.

Anyway, I'm posting to see if anyone else may be interested in joining me on the greatest ride of your life. This will be my third time participating on the Arava Institute/ Hazon "Israel Ride" - a 320 mile (512 kilometer - get used to metric!) bike excursion through the Negev desert. Its a 5-day saga, featuring full support along the way. That means airfare, hotels, rental bikes, are included. Security and a crew of bike mechanics follow at all times.

This is a major fundraiser for a progressive environmental school based in the Israeli desert which provides the education for the future environmental leaders of Israel, Jordan and Egypt. They are focused as much on forging a future of peace and cooperation as they are in securing the environmental future for the mid-east. Truly a great cause!

Be warned: the fundraising obligation attached is quite large, but again, it goes to a worthy cause and the long sweeping switchback descent into the dead sea (the very LOWEST point of elevation on earth) makes all the hard work well-worth it! Check out the ride's website at www.israelride.com for more info, and don't hesitate to ask me about what it was like... Ride on, Panther Cyclists!

2006-11-10T12:56:00.000-05:00

this was easy.
PCC is now cool, too.

High speed chase

2006-11-10T12:30:00.000-05:00

www.specializedmovies.com
Check out the second video, apparently they overlayed the bike image over a motorcycle. Still pretty cool though.